An Interim Member of the PFGV can become a Full Member (Certified Guild Framer) by taking the PFGV Entrance Level Test. The test consists of the Skills Test and Legal Requirements Test. The pass mark is 85%.
The Skills Test involves identification and knowledge of framing the following items -
Amateur oil (painting on canvas board)
Silk knickers (heirloom)
Chromogenic photograph (collectible)
Birth certificate (water stained, 1910)
Black and white photograph (sulphiding, 1913)
Genuine vellum parchment with calligraphy
Chromogenic (colour) school photograph
Ilfachrome (Cibachrome) classic photograph
Watercolour on paper (1930's, mounted on cardboard in original frame)
Cabinet card (1890's)
Carte de Visite (CdV 1860's)
Football jumper (unsigned)
Olympic flag (cotton, signed by Sydney gold medallists. Size 1400 x 2000)
University degree
Business registration
Bush scene oil on original stretcher (1890's, original gilt frame, painted surface darkened by smoke)
Wedding photograph (original narrow oak frame, no air gap, photograph damaged by condensation)
Corner frame (painted cream, ornaments damaged, original frame for painting by well known artist. Some paint lifting on art surface)
Computer generated image (choose and specify one type ie. laser, bubblejet, thermal)
Five original war service medals (WWII)
Silk embroidery (Chinese antique)
Silk embroidery (cheap souvenir)
Antique book plate (poor condition)
Canvas work/tapestry done by owner
Antique sampler (moisture stained)
Set of 48 original 1930's cigarette cards
Aboriginal dot painting on canvas (loose)
Watercolour on paper (to be sold by artist for approximately $500)
Watercolour by well recognized artist (to be sold for approximately $15,000)
Woollen Christening gown (1950)
Kindergarten painting on butchers paper (by child now deceased. Mother wants to keep forever)
Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" (printed reproduction, to match decor)
Madonna poster (pop poster for child's room)
Madonna poster (pop poster signed by Madonna)
Ambrotype (customer wants restored and several quality, framed, archival copies)
Antique jewellery (several pieces in varying types of precious metal)
Daylight proof of 1950's wedding
Montage on paper (very high relief)
Pastel drawing (AO size)
Water colour on paper (deckled edge to show)
Engraving (with plate line)
Silkscreen print (badly cockled - cannot be flattened)
Period 1920's photograph (on original mounting card that customer wants to show and using original frame)
Proprietry longstitch (to be framed behind glass)
Petit point (300 x 600)
Opalotype (broken, in original good condition frame, damaged arch mat)
Domed photograph (20" x 14" frame and glass missing)
Heavily embossed engraving
Code of Ethics
PFGV Certified Guild Framers are those who want to demonstrate the distinction between members and non-members, accordingly they have agreed to abide by the following Code of Ethics:
Observe the highest standards of moral integrity in all transactions
Protect the interests of their customers and their artwork
Avoid the use of false, confusing, inaccurate or misleading terms, descriptions and claims
Make every effort to reach an amicable and speedy solution in the event of a dispute with a customer
Industry Standards
Category 1 - Frame Only Picture frame only. End use is not known, or is to be decided by the customer. No conservation characteristics.
Category 2 - Decorator E.g. Mirrors, reproductions, etc. No conservation properties required. Some articles in this category will have higher sentimental or monetary values than may be recognized at first sight, therefore category 3 or higher should be considered.
Category 3 - Standard Conservation Framing This is an acceptable minimum level for any item of artistic, monetary, historic or sentimental value. All techniques involved in this category are reversible. Materials coming into contact with the artwork are benign (acid free), although this may not necessarily apply to oil paintings or works on canvas. There will be an air gap between any glazing material and the artwork. Items framed in this category can be upgraded to Category 4 at a later date if desired.
Category 4 - Premium Conservation Framing In this category your Guild member will utilize the most appropriate materials and techniques currently known, without compromise, to maximize the life of the artwork.
Category 5 - Limited Display Items in this category are for limited display and/or archival storage only. If permanent display is required, it is recommended that copies be made for this purpose. These frames may need to be openable to permit removal of the artwork or manufactured in such away that the frame becomes the archival storage structure.
